A Jewish Divorce Mediator Shares What She Sees Behind Closed Doors

Kosher Money is the bi-weekly podcast from Living Lchaim, hosted by Eli Langer.

We explore one of the most sensitive and least discussed topics in Jewish life: money and marriage.

• Why do so many couples avoid talking about money? • What do fights about money really represent? • How can couples build financial trust and literacy before and during marriage? • What role should community education play in preparing young people for real-world financial responsibility?

We sat down with Sarah Nissel, attorney, Pepperdine law professor, and Executive Director of the Jewish Divorce Assistance Center of LA.

After mediating 300+ divorces, she shares what really makes or breaks relationships when it comes to money, how to communicate without shame, handle conflict, and build marriages that actually last.

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CHAPTERS:

00:00 Intro

01:53 Who Is Sarah Nissel?

02:27 Practicing Law in Los Angeles

04:10 A Decade of Experience in Family Law

04:24 What Lawyers See Behind Closed Doors

05:18 The Lack of Financial Education

05:56 When One First Goes to a Divorce Lawyer

07:23 Men vs. Women Divorce Misconceptions

07:42 Tips for a Healthier Marriage

11:45 Advice for Newlyweds

12:56 Improving Conflict Resolution Skills

18:28 How Frum Couples Manage Money

21:07 Why Wives Should Know the Finances

24:20 Twillory

25:33 The Donors Fund

27:52 Modeling Healthy Money Habits

29:34 Being Honest About Debt With Your Spouse

31:32 Understanding Your Appetite for Risk

34:33 How to Guide an Amicable Divorce

37:24 Prenups in the Orthodox Community

40:00 What Sarah Wants Her Children to Know

41:35 When Parents Stop Financial Support

44:14 Separate Bank Accounts

48:35 Setting Up Newlyweds for Financial Success

51:05 BitBean

51:53 Colel Chabad

52:43 It Is Never Too Late

55:58 Starting Financial Education Earlier

59:03 Moving Forward Toward Peace

1:02:39 Amazing Jewish Resources

1:05:52 How Sarah Helps People

1:06:23 You Do Not Need to Recreate the Wheel

1:08:01 Why Sarah Stays Away From AI

1:09:26 Sarah’s Nonprofit Work

1:09:52 Sarah’s Book Recommendations

1:12:36 The Advantages of the Jewish Community

1:14:04 Sarah’s Remarkable Yichus

1:19:26 Thanking Sarah for Joining Us

1:19:49 Outro

• Learn more about Sarah’s organization: https://www.jdacla.org/ • One of Sarah's favorite books, The Anxious Generation: https://amzn.to/4qnGOv

✬ Helpful Efforts Out in the World ✬

• Living Smarter Jewish brings free financial coaching to families: https://livingsmarterjewish.org/ • Kosher Debt Help – Honest, agenda-free help if you're in debt: https://www.kosherdebthelp.com/ • Kosher ADHD – Practical guidance for families living with ADHD: https://kosher-adhd.com/

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